Canberra has launched a 210 million Australian dollar ($136.9 million) shore facility in the Northern Territory as part of the government’s ongoing military modernization initiative.
The Kuru Wharf was refurbished to provide additional berthing solutions for Australian Defence Force vessels, including primary surface combatants and submarines.
It was constructed under a broader 600 million dollar ($391.4 million) redevelopment program, which encompasses upgrades to buildings, vehicle shelters, civil infrastructures, personnel accommodations, and training areas in the Larrakeyah Barracks and HMAS Coonawarra.
Other works focus on electrical, communication, stormwater, sewerage, fire services, and maritime fuel storage.
The overall Larrakeyah/Coonawarra effort is expected to be completed this year.
“These critical upgrades to Kuru Wharf will allow for the future growth of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct to ensure it is equipped to meet our strategic circumstances,” Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite stated.
“This program of works reinforces the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which outlines critical investment into improving the [Australian Defence Force’s] ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases.”
Ongoing Projects in the Northern Territory
The Kuru Wharf’s reopening ceremony followed Australia’s announcement earlier in May to complete additional upgrades throughout the Northern Territory.
It involved “major” investments to revamp living areas, security warning systems, and community buildings in Katherine, aircraft infrastructures at Base Tindal, littoral maneuver centers at Base Darwin, as well as major maintenance facilities at Mount Bundey Airfield.
In February, Canberra revealed another construction project to modernize Australian Army infrastructure at Robertson Barracks and Howard Springs South in Darwin.